Cayman Islands

Twenty metres below the surface of the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo, I'm getting blasted by the ripping current. Desperately, I grasp at the loose coral littering the top of the reef wall trying to find an anchor. My husband Aaron has a slippery grip on my other hand and my two younger sisters are clutching the tips of my fins. It would be downright comical if I weren't concentrating...

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 19, 2018 7:53 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESCayman Islands - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in the Cayman Islands.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occasionally occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Use your hotel safe to store your valuables, but be sure it is bolted to the wall or the floor. Carry a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you at all times. Do not bring valuables to the beach. Avoid solo trips to deserted beaches or poorly lit areas after dark.Women's safetySexual assaults occur. Women travelling alone may also be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.Safe-travel guide for womenSpiked foods and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.Recreational activities and excursionsEnsure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition. Ensure helmets and life jackets are available, if applicable. Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators.CruisesThe port of Grand Cayman is a cruise-ship stop.Advice for Cruise TravellersDemonstrationsDemonstrations can occur. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.Road safetyRoad conditions are poor in some areas.Safe public minibuses run on the main roads. Taxis, mopeds, scooters and rental cars are widely available.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlines4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid until the date of expected departure from the territory.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to six monthsWork permit: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredOther entry requirementsA return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is required to visit the Cayman Islands.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).Children and travelLearn about travel with children.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical facilities and services are generally good. There are several public and private hospitals and clinics on the islands, as well as a hyperbaric recompression chamber. Treatment is expensive and cash payment may be required up front. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Serious cases requiring critical care may require medical evacuation to the United States for treatment. Be aware that medical evacuations can be extremely expensive.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Travel health and safetyMedical tourismLearn about receiving medical care in other countries if you are contemplating undergoing a medical procedure in the Cayman Islands.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The Cayman Islands is a separate legal jurisdiction from the United Kingdom and has its own laws.Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across a border or through customs under any circumstances.DrivingTraffic drives on the left. A visitor's driving permit is required to drive in the Cayman Islands. You can obtain a visitor's driving permit from a car rental agency or from an office of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing. You will need to present a valid Canadian passport, the immigration card that you received upon entry to the Cayman Islands and a valid Canadian driver's licence. There is an administration fee of CI$16.Visitor's driving permit - Department of Vehicle and Drivers' LicensingImports and exportsLocal customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, spear guns, medications, agricultural products, animals and animal products (including sea turtle products). Note that anything delivering a projectile is considered a firearm. Special permits may be required prior to arrival. Contact the British High Commission in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements.MarriagesIf you are planning to marry in the Cayman Islands, ensure that you meet all requirements and have all necessary documents before leaving Canada.Marriage overseasMoneyThe currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD; CI$). U.S. dollars and traveller's cheques are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available, dispensing U.S. and Cayman Island dollars. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants.InvestmentsIf you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Cayman Islands, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Cayman Islands before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonHurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:know that you expose yourself to serious safety risksbe prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your tripstay informed of the latest regional weather forecastscarry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operatorfollow the advice and instructions of local authoritiesUseful linksHurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoonsLarge-scale emergencies abroadActive storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States' National Hurricane CenterEarthquakesThe Cayman Islands are located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes occur infrequently and most seismic events pass unnoticed. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the instructions of the local authorities.

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